Black-out device



March 9, 1943.

Filed March 3, 1942 R. w. P. MlTTAG 2,313,659

BLACKOUT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet l ,5 w W 7? Mifiaj meys March 9, 1943. R. w. P. MITTAG 2,313,659

' BLACKOUT DEVICE Filed March 5, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 WWW Patente d Mar. 9, 1943 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE BLACK- OUT DEVICE Richard w. r. Mitt-ag, Washington, D. 0.

Application March 3, 1942, Serial No. 433,221

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in blackout devices and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a device of this character which is adapted to be expeditiously installed on a conventional window frame without the necessity of making material structural alterations therein.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a blackout device of the aforementioned character which, if desired, may be left permanently in position on the window frame to be used in the usual manner of a shade.

Still another very important object of the invention is to provide a blackout device of the character described which comprises novel means for securing a shade in lowered or operative position in a manner to positively prevent the passage of light.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a blackout device of the character set forth which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly efficient and reliable in use, compact, attractive in appearance, and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a black out device constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the shade in partially lowered position with a portion thereof broken away.

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of the device, showing the shade secured in lowered or operative position.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of the invention.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in vertical section, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section, taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section, taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a pair of brackets I which are mounted on the head trim 2 of a conventional window frame 3. Mounted on the brackets I is a spring-actuated roller 4. A shade 5 of suitable flexible opaque material is secured to the spring roller 4 for winding thereon.

Mounted on the head trim 2 beneath the brackets I is a horizontal bar 6 over which the shade 5 is adapted to travel. Toward this end, the bar 6 includes a rounded outer edge or nose portion I.

Mounted beneath the stool 8 of the window frame 3 is a pair of downwardly inclined pins 9. The pins 9 are engageable in eyelets l0 which are provided therefor in the lower or free end portion of the shade 5 for releasably securing said shade in fully lowered position.

Mounted on the side trim II of the window frame 3 is a pair of stationary bars I2. The bars I2 extend vertically from the bar 6 to the stool 8 of the window frame 3. Pivotally secured by hinges I3 for swinging movement in a horizontal plane on the stationary bars I2 is a pair of swinging bars I4. As illustrated to advantage in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawing, the bars I2 and I4 constitute what may be considered coacting stationary and pivoted jaws which are adapted to receive therebetween and firmly clamp the vertical marginal portions of the shade 5. The end portions of the pivoted bars i4 extend across the bar 6 and the window stool 8.

It is thought that the manner in which the device functions will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, when the device is to be used in the manner of an ordinary shade, as suggested in Figure 1 of the drawings, the pivoted or hinged bars I4 are left in open position and the shade 5 may be raised and lowered as desired, However, when the device is to be used for a blackout, the shade 5 is pulled all the way down and secured by engaging the pins 9 in the eyelets Iil.- The bars I4 are then swung to the position seen in Figure 6 of the drawings and secured by buttons or other suitable fasteners I5. Thus, the vertical marginal portions of the fully lowered shade are firmly clamped between the members I2 and I4. The construction and arrangement is such that the passage of light is positively prevented.

It is believed that the many advantages of a blackout device constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood and although a preferred embodiment of said device is as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangean opaque shade secured to the roller for winding thereon and operable across the bar, said shade having openings in its free end portion,

and pins beneath the stool engageable in the zopenings for releasably securing the shade in lowered position.

RICHARD W. P. MITTAG. 

